When the Shire of Kent in Western Australia determined that it needed to extend the Shire Offices this was greeted with some scepticism by local residents. As many Councils find when they need to spend money to do their job more efficiently, those who are remote from Council operations do not always see the need for this outlay.
Servicing a population of 780 spread over an area of 6,500 square kilometres, the Shire sought to inform the community about the need for this work and request their feedback. Letters were sent to all residents. This resulted in a very good response of 20 percent.
In addition, community meetings were organised to explain the intention of the extensions and to seek public input on how this might be best achieved. Incorporated in the plans was a Function room available for community use. This meant the extensions both improved Council amenity and provided a community facility.
Chief Executive Officer Ian Fitzgerald said the outcome has been the construction of a new service centre which is the public interface of Council. “The new centre is designed to be light, bright and friendly,” he said. “It makes for a better working environment and is more inviting for residents doing business with Council.”
Ian Fitzgerald said feedback from the public consultation exercise showed that residents had come to recognise and support the need for the extensions.
For further information contact Ian Fitzgerald, telephone (08) 9829 1051.
